Xavier Bettel (Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade): An Active Diplomacy in a Fractured World
Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister and Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Foreign Trade, Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, outlines the country’s diplomatic and economic strategy in a time of global geopolitical fractures.
What is the future of the European Union in an age of global geopolitical fragmentation?
I believe the European Union has never been more essential than in today’s unstable world. In the face of mounting tensions between major powers, regional conflicts and global challenges, we must act with unity and strategic intent. As I have often stated, if Europe wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, it must speak with one voice, particularly through the High Representative. This is especially true during crises like the current one in the Middle East. The EU has strong assets: its market, innovation capacity, diversity, population and more. It is up to us to leverage these strengths to build bridges with the rest of the world, including with new partners. Strategic autonomy does not mean retreat—it means having the ability to exist and act in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
"I believe the European Union has never been more essential than in today’s unstable world."
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Where are the growth opportunities and how can we seize them?
In today’s unpredictable world—marked by geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains and intense international competition protecting existing achievements is not enough. We must proactively seek out new opportunities. Luxembourg’s diplomatic strategy is clearly aligned with this approach. Two examples illustrate this well: the opening of a new diplomatic mission in Canada and Luxembourg’s committed participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka. In June, I travelled to Canada not only to inaugurate our new embassy in Ottawa but also to engage with key private sector stakeholders. In Japan, following two very promising visits, I will return in July with an economic mission led by the Chamber of Commerce and joined by other ministers. The aim is to explore cooperation opportunities in space, technology and healthcare. The Expo also presents a unique chance to showcase what Luxembourg stands for: an open country, future-oriented, and renowned for its innovative mindset.
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